Rita Ora slammed by Kerry Katona and Emily Andre for Covid rule-breaking

Rita Ora has been slammed for throwing a 30th birthday party that broke the lockdown rules.

Kerry Katona and Emily Andre have used their magazine columns to criticise the singer, with Kerry questioning why she thought there was "one rule for her and another for us".

Rita was forced to issue a public apology and pay a £10,000 fine after inviting her showbiz pals to a birthday party in a posh London restaurant, despite the lockdown rules shutting down hospitality venues last month.

It was then revealed that she hadn't self-isolated after flying back from a gig in Egypt, and thew her party less than week after she returned.

Kerry wrote in hew new! magazine column: "Why is it one rule for her and another for us? "I understand it was her 30th birthday, but I do think it's bad for somebody of her profile to be breaking rules when people look up to her.

"She should be setting an example."

Kerry added: "I saw Piers Morgan was bad-mouthing her and once that happens, that's it, you're f**ked."

Emily said in her OK! magazine column: "I have heard of lots of people breaking the rules, but you do have a bit more of a responsibility to set an example when you're in the public eye.

"Rita did admit that she made an error of judgment, and I would agree with that, but I do feel like she was sorry.

"I have less tolerance for repeat offenders, as we're all in the same boat and we owe it to each other to try and stick to the rules as best we can."

Mirror Online has contacted reps for Rita Ora for comment.

Rita got caught breaking the lockdown rules twice.

On November 21 she flew to Egypt by private jet to perform a gig at the five-star W Hotel, and returned to the UK the next day where she was supposed to self-isolate under the lockdown rules.

But instead she threw her 30th birthday party on November 28 at the exclusive Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, West London.

Rita apologised for her party in a statement and said she would pay the £10k fine.

Then she issued another apology for not self-isolating on her return from Egypt, saying: "I recently flew to Egypt to perform at a corporate event for a private company, where my travel party followed protocol and presented negative Covid tests upon entry, as required by Egyptian authorities.

"Upon my return to Britain, I should have followed government advice and isolated myself for the required period.

"As you know, I didn't follow government advice and for that I apologised earlier this week. I apologise again, unreservedly.

"I would like to add that I have been tested subsequently, including today, and remain negative for Covid-19 and the same is true for all members of my immediate family who form my support bubble.

"While I realise the apologetic words of a pop star might not carry much weight, especially one who has broken the rules like I have, I do realise that some might seek to follow my example.

"My message to them is simple: please don’t. The guilt and shame I've carried this week for my mistake aren't worth it.

"Instead, continue to listen to the government advice and the voices of the heroes of the NHS and take the required precautions.

"I will take the criticisms coming my way because I deserve them. For my part, I hope to one day make it up to the public who have given me so much support over the years and, in particular, make it up to the heroes of the NHS.

"That is my promise to everyone disappointed in my behaviour.